Local government strike imminent

Local government HR body Socpo is concerned about the sector’s future after
staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over the annual pay rise
dispute.

Six out of 10 of the sector’s one million employees involved in the ballot
voted to reject the employers’ 3 per cent pay offer and start a summer of
strikes on 17 July.

The unions are demanding a 6 per cent or £1,750 pay rise to bring the
minimum wage in the sector to £11,017 a year.

Socpo is concerned there is no obvious way to end the dispute. Socpo
president Francesca Okosi said: "I am disappointed but not surprised by
the result. My concern is I am not sure how this will be resolved. The
employers have offered as much as they can – we are constrained by the
resources available."

Okosi is concerned that the industrial action will affect how the sector is
perceived.